Analysis Of Carotenoids Research Articles

Dietary modulation of human milk bioactives is associated with maternal FUT2 secretor phenotype: an exploratory analysis of carotenoids and polyphenol metabolites.

Maternal diet modifies profiles of human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs), carotenoids, and polyphenols in human milk (HM). However, substantial variability in profiles exists between women, highlighting the complexity of non-dietary factors modulating these profiles. The objective of this study was to carry out a secondary analysis exploring the effect of maternal diet on HM carotenoids and polyphenols and relationships between dietary modulation of HM bioactives (carotenoids, polyphenols, and oligosaccharides) and maternal α1,2-fucosyltransferase 2 (FUT2) secretor phenotype. In this pilot study, 16 exclusively breastfeeding women with obesity were enrolled between 4 and 5 months postpartum. The women were provided a 4-week meal plan consistent with the 2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA). HM was collected for 24 h at baseline and post-intervention. Maternal FUT2 secretor phenotype was determined by 2'-fucosyllactose concentration in HM (non-secretor: < 100 nmol/ml; secretor: ≥100 nmol/ml). Concentrations of carotenoids and HMOs were determined by LC and polyphenol metabolites by UPLC-MS/MS. Thirteen women completed the study (6 secretors, 7 non-secretors). The change in HM concentrations of the HMOs lacto-N-tetraose (LNT, p = 0.007), lacto-N-fucopentaose II (LNFP II, p = 0.02), difucosyllacto-N-tetraose (DFLNT, p = 0.003), and disialyllacto-N-tetraose (DSLNT, p = 0.003) and polyphenol metabolites 4-hydroxybenzoic acid (4-HBA, p = 0.08) and ferulic acid (p = 0.02) over the intervention time frame was differentially associated with maternal secretor status. 4-HBA and ferulic acid positively correlated with HMOs LNT and DSLNT (rrm = 0.82-0.90, p = 0.03-0.06) for secretors but not for non-secretors. Only secretors demonstrated a negative correlation between 4-HBA and DFLNT (rrm = -0.94, p = 0.001). The influence of maternal diet on composition of HMOs and polyphenol metabolites in HM differs based on maternal secretor status. Consideration of non-dietary factors is needed to evaluate differences in response of HM bioactives to dietary modulation.

Enhancement of carotenogenesis by Blakeslea trispora in a mixed culture with bacteria.

Among carotenoids, ꞵ-carotene has the highest biological activity and is found as an all-trans isomer in many biological systems. Blakeslea trispora is a microorganism that is of interest to industries for the commercial production of ꞵ-carotene. This study investigated the effect of different bacteria on carotenogenesis in B. trispora. The B. trispora bisexual mold was cultured in a production medium, and different bacterial cells were added to it after 24 h. Then, the culture conditions and the culture medium were optimized in the presence of the selected bacteria using the experimental design. The percentage of carotenoids obtained from the mixed culture was determined using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Results showed that Kocuria rhizophila had the greatest effect on increasing the production of carotenoids in B. trispora. The highest content of carotenoids obtained during optimization was 770 ± 7.5 mg/L, a 6.8-fold increase compared to the control. HPLC analysis of carotenoids indicated the presence of two main peaks, ꞵ-carotene and γ-carotene, in which the primary carotenoid was ꞵ-carotene followed by γ-carotene with a lower content. Therefore, due to the importance of ꞵ-carotene in industry, the use of biostimulants is one of the appropriate strategies to increase the production of this pigment in industry.

Physicochemical and bioactive characterization of pink guava pulp microcapsules prepared by freeze-drying using coffee mucilage as a wall material

This study investigated the potential of coffee mucilage (CM), a readily available coffee industry byproduct, as a wall material for the microencapsulation of pink guava pulp via freeze-drying (FD). Microcapsules with varying wall compositions incorporating powdered coffee mucilage, maltodextrin (MD), or a combination of both (FD-CM/MD) were developed and characterized using techniques such as FT-IR spectroscopy, SEM, TGA/DSC, and zeta potential analysis. The retention of bioactive compounds was assessed using total phenolic content, antioxidant capacity and carotenoid analyses. Results revealed that the incorporation of powdered coffee mucilage significantly influenced the physicochemical properties of the microcapsules, resulting in larger particle sizes and less rough surface morphologies compared with maltodextrin-based formulations. Notably, FD-CM microcapsules exhibited a thermal stability (Tg ≈ 50 °C) and retention total polyphenols of 30.19 ± 5.26 mg GAE/g dry weight (DW) and carotenoids of 5.50 ± 0.29 mg β-carotene/100 g DW, which can be attributed to the protective effects and inherent antioxidant capacity of 91.85 ± 9.93 μmol Trolox Equivalents/g DW in the coffee mucilage matrix. While influencing the color attributes, all microcapsule formulations retained a commercially appealing (hab = 79.80 ± 0.06) red-yellow hue. This study demonstrated the potential of powdered coffee mucilage as a sustainable and effective encapsulating wall material for enhancing the stability and bioavailability of bioactive compounds in food products.

Comparative analysis of carotenoids, fatty acids, minerals, tastes, and odor in the skin of wild versus farmed large yellow croaker: Superior nutritional benefits with elevated heavy metal risks

People commonly consume large yellow croaker with skin, yet comprehensive studies on the skin's nutritional value, flavor, and health risks are lacking. The skin from wild fish and those from five main farming areas, nearly representing all fish in the market, were analyzed. The study revealed that the skin of all tested fish exhibited high levels of carotenoids, EPA, DHA, Σn-3/Σn-6 PUFA, Fe, Se, Cu, Zn, and various flavor compounds including free amino acids, 5′-nucleotides, and odor substances, and low levels of atherosclerotic and thrombogenic indices, suggesting health benefits. Notably, the wild fish skin was yellower with high carotenoid accumulation and nutritionally superior in fatty acids but showed a high heavy metal risk. Additionally, this research has, for the first time, elucidated that carotenoid storage in the skin of large yellow croaker depends on lutein esterification with oleic, palmitic, and decanoic acids. In summary, the current study indicates that the skin of farmed fish offers significant nutritional value and favorable flavor profiles, making it safe for consumption. However, while the skin of wild large yellow croaker is more nutritionally advantageous, it also presents a non-negligible risk of heavy metal contamination.

Carotenoid accumulation in aerial microalga Coelastrella rubescens KGU-H009 in light- and nitrogen-stress conditions

Some natural carotenoids remain unexplored in terms of their function because they occur only in trace amounts, or their stereochemistry is unclear. It is expected that scientists will discover new physiological activities that have a positive impact on human heath by analysis of such carotenoids. The purpose of this study was to analyze the carotenoids synthesized by the novel aerial microalga Coelastrella rubescens KGU–H009, and the dynamics of their accumulation. Cultivation experiments were conducted for 7 days at 25 °C, combining different light conditions with the presence or absence of nitrate ions. Short-term (2-h) cultivation was also performed, and tests were conducted with the addition of the inhibitor of photosynthesis 3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1, 1-dimethylurea (DCMU). Strain KGU-H009 exhibited its highest carotenoid content (34.5 mg g−1) in the presence of nitrogen sources and strong light. Upon nitrogen source depletion, the content of zeaxanthin and β-carotene decreased, while the content of astaxanthin and adonixanthin increased. Strain KGU-H009 exhibited reversible control of the xanthophyll cycle to adapt to changes in light intensity, but the xanthophyll cycle was inhibited by the addition of DCMU. Strain KGU-H009 demonstrated the ability to synthesize carotenoids involved in both light harvesting and photoprotection, suggesting its adaptability to environmental change.

Unveiling potential of promising filamentous microalga Klebsormidium cf. nitens: Shear stress resilience and carotenoid-fatty acid dynamics in tubular photobioreactor

In this study, the effects of shear stress and different culture media on the growth of the filamentous microalga Klebsormidium cf. nitens were studied. The microalga’s growth, carotenoids and fatty acids were further evaluated in a pump-driven tubular photobioreactor. The results show that this microalga had the ability to withstand high shear stress and the adaptability to grow in a culture medium that lacks certain trace elements. K. cf. nitens grew consistently in the tubular photobioreactor at different average light intensities although it did not grow well in a tall bubble column. The carotenoid analysis revealed that the xanthophyll cycle was activated to protect the cell photosynthetic system. The fatty acids increased with irradiance, with linoleic acid (C18:2n6) making up over 50 % of the total fatty acids. This study supports the potential of employing pump-driven tubular photobioreactors to produce the filamentous microalga K. cf nitens at the large scale.

Exploring the impact of fermentation on bioactive compounds in two different types of carrot pomace

This study assessed the fermentation process of black and orange-colored carrot pomaces utilizing three varieties of lactic acid bacteria: Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus casei, and Lactobacillus acidophilus. The fermentation process influenced the titratable acidity and lactic acid production, with L. plantarum resulting in the highest increases, particularly noticeable in orange-colored carrot pomace (OCP). Initially, citric acid levels increased, while ascorbic acid levels decreased in all cultures. Black carrot pomace (BCP) fermented by L. casei exhibited the highest phenolic content (611.42 mg GAE/100 g dw) and antioxidant activity on day 3. The total phenolic content of OCP was the highest on day 3 with both L. casei and L. plantarum. The phenolic acid profiles varied by carrot type, with BCP being rich in neochlorogenic and chlorogenic acids, and OCP in gallic and p-coumaric acids. High anthocyanin content was found in OCP, especially cyanidin derivatives, peaking with L. casei. Similarly, OCP showed increased levels of both α-carotene and β-carotene on day 3 with L. casei. Carotenoid analysis revealed that BCP contained only α-carotene, with the highest level observed after 4 days of fermentation with L. plantarum. This study demonstrates that selective fermentation with lactic acid bacteria can alter the phytochemical profile of carrot pomaces, potentially enhancing the nutritional quality in various food applications.

European union reference laboratory for feed additives: experience from 11 years organising proficiency testing

Feed additives are individually authorised within the European Union (EU) specifying the conditions of their use under real-world conditions. These criteria often include minimum or maximum level of their content in compound feed. In addition, feed business operators are obliged to indicate on the feed the level of the added content of the feed additive. While it is the task of the EU Member States official laboratories to perform control analyses to establish compliance with these provisions, the European Union Reference Laboratory for Feed Additives (EURL-FA) is organising since 2012 annual proficiency tests (PTs) for Member States’ National Reference Laboratories (NRLs). PTs organised by the EURL-FA are based on the principles that compound feed samples are prepared containing a known content of the target feed additive. These PT samples are then sent to the NRLs for analysis and the results reported back to the EURL-FA are subjected to statistical assessment to establish the laboratory specific proficiency to correctly analyse compound feed samples for the respective feed additive. In the current study, we looked at the outcome of this assessment across different PTs. The topics addressed were (1) the evaluation of the overall measurement capability of NRLs in respect to coccidiostats, trace elements and vitamin D3, (2) the challenge related to the preparation of homogenous test materials with particle-based feed additives, (3) a possible connection between the modified composition of preparations containing vitamin A and analytical results and (4) the impact of a training course on the proficiency of laboratories regarding carotenoid analysis.

Comparative Evaluation of Secondary Metabolite Chemodiversity of Citrus Genebank Collection in Greece: Can the Peel be More than Waste?

Citrus fruits are among the most economically important crops in the world. In the global market, the Citrus peel is often considered a byproduct but substitutes an important phenotypic characteristic of the fruit and a valuable source of essential oils, flavonoids, carotenoids, and phenolic acids with variable concentrations. The Mediterranean basin is a particularly dense area of autochthonous genotypes of Citrus that are known for being a source of healthy foods, which can be repertoires of valuable genes for molecular breeding with the focus on plant resistance and quality improvement. The scope of this study was to characterize and compare the main phenotypic parameters (i.e., peel thickness, fruit volume, and area) and levels of bioactive compounds in the peel of fruits from the local germplasm of Citrus in Greece, to assess their chemodiversity regarding their polyphenolic, volatile, and carotenoid profiles. A targeted liquid chromatographic approach revealed hesperidin, tangeretin, narirutin, eriocitrin, and quercetin glycosides as the major polyphenolic compounds identified in orange, lemon, and mandarin peels. The content of tangeretin and narirutin followed the tendency mandarin > orange > lemon. Eriocitrin was a predominant metabolite of lemon peel, following its identification in lower amounts in mandarin and at least in the orange peel. For these citrus-specific metabolites, high intra- but also interspecies chemodiversity was monitored. Significant diversity was found in the essential oil content, which varied between 1.2 and 3% in orange, 0.2 and 1.4% in mandarin, and 0.9 and 1.9% in lemon peel. Limonene was the predominant compound in all Citrus species peel essential oils, ranging between 88 and 93% among the orange, 64 and 93% in mandarin, and 55 and 63% in lemon cultivars. Carotenoid analysis revealed different compositions among the Citrus species and accessions studied, with β-cryptoxanthin being the most predominant metabolite. This large-scale metabolic investigation will enhance the knowledge of Citrus peel secondary metabolite chemodiversity supported by the ample availability of Citrus genetic resources to further expand their exploitation in future breeding programs and potential applications in the global functional food and pharmaceutical industries.

A Scoping Review on Carotenoid Profiling in Passiflora spp.: A Vast Avenue for Expanding the Knowledge on the Species.

The Passiflora genus is recognised for its ethnopharmacological, sensorial, and nutritional significance. Yet, the screening of its dietary and bioactive molecules has mainly targeted hydrophilic metabolites. Following the PRISMA-P protocol, this review assessed the current knowledge on carotenoid composition and analysis within Passiflora, examining 968 records from seven databases and including 17 studies focusing on carotenoid separation and identification in plant parts. Those publications originated in America and Asia. P. edulis was the most frequently examined species of a total of ten, while pulp was the most studied plant part (16 studies). Carotenoid analysis involved primarily high-performance liquid chromatography separation on C18 columns and detection using diode array detectors (64.71%). Most studies identified the provitamin A β-carotene and xanthophylls lutein and zeaxanthin, with their geometric configuration often neglected. Only one study described carotenoid esters. Besides the methodology's insufficient description, the lack of use of more accurate techniques and practices led to a high risk of bias in the carotenoid assignment in 17.65% of the articles. This review highlights the opportunity to broaden carotenoid studies to other species and parts within the diverse Passiflora genus, especially to wild, locally available fruits, which may have a strategic role in enhancing food diversity and security amidst climatic changes. Additionally, it urges the use of more accurate and efficient analytical methods based on green chemistry to better identify Passiflora carotenoids.

Proximate, total phenolic, carotenoid, antioxidant activity, color, and FTIR analysis of red ginger powders (Zingiber officinale var. Rubrum) through the evaporation-crystallization process

Red ginger is a plant that is rich in antioxidants and is easily available in Indonesia. So far, red ginger has been used with various extraction methods by previous researchers, but the application of this process has not been able to be used by independent economic MSMEs. This research took place using evaporation-crystallization equipment as the main tool, accompanied by temperature variations (80 and 90°C) and granulated sugar as a crystallization agent (60 and 100%). The quality of the powdered red ginger product analyzed in this study showed good stability values for the fresh red ginger raw material before processing. The average value of the proximate content of red ginger products is 7.668; 12.116; 5.225; 0.422-1.708; 73.960% for moisture, ash, fat, protein, and carbohydrate content, respectively; and total glucose of 63.768 ppm. Meanwhile, the results of the phenolic and carotenoid content provide a significant reduction of up to 50%. The average content is 42.459 mg gallic acid/g; and 5.480 g respectively (including color - also a decrease in L, a, and b values) compared to the red ginger pulp raw material. The opposite value occurred in the DPPH antioxidant activity of red ginger pulp, the content of which was 2-3 times higher than fresh red ginger. These findings not only have an impact on the development of more health-beneficial food and beverage products but also encourage further understanding of the potential of bioactive compounds in ginger to support human well-being.

Unveiling Tetraselmis subcordiformis lipidome dynamics during large-scale cultivation in open raceway pond

A local microalgal strain of Tetraselmis subcordiformis was cultivated at large-scale using open raceway pond. The temporal influence on the growth and lipidomic profile of the strain was investigated using optic density (OD) measurement and ultra-high pressure liquid chromatography. Results showed that triglycerides represented 57% of the total lipids on day 11 (exponential phase) and stayed consistently high until stationary phase, without affecting the biomass quantity. Moreover, a high expression of monounsaturated fatty acids and polyunsaturated fatty acids such as ω-3 eicosapentaenoic acid (20:5), docosahexaenoic acid (22:6), palmitic (16:0) and palmitoleic acid (16:1) was observed by stationary phase. Carotenoid analysis also revealed the increase in lutein (65.2%) and β-carotene (71.4%) from day 6 to day 15. Our study showed that T. subcordiformis contained the highest amounts of valuable lipids, fatty acids and pigments in the stationary phase, which started on day 15 of culture.

Okenone and other fossil photopigments from the bottom sediments of Lake Shira, as a proxy of recent changes in the hydrological regime of the lake

Studying the pigment composition of bottom sediments of the meromictic Lake Shira allows us to learn about the past of the reservoir. Analysis of carotenoids of frozen cores of the upper layers of bottom sediments, and comparison with field observations shows the relationship between the hydrological regime of the lake and the content of okenone, a carotenoid of purple sulfur bacteria.

Carotenoid gene expression and metabolic changes in the pericarp of Mandarin ‘Shatangju’ under net shed shading during growth

Fruit colour is mostly determined by the composition and content of carotenoids. In this study, a metabolic transcription analysis of carotenoids in the pericarp of ‘Shatangju’ at three different growth periods under two cultivation methods, open-air and netting, was performed. The results showed that the lightness value, red-green value and yellow-blue value indices of the pericarp varied greatly. Fourteen carotenoids were detected in the citrus pericarp. The content of lycopene was 3.21 μg/g and 3.43 μg/g, and the content of β-citraurin was 6 μg/g and 7.27 μg/g under open-air and net shed cultivation, respectively. Shading affected the synthesis of key genes such as phytoene synthase (PSY), carotenoid cleavage dioxygenase 4 (CCD4), and zeaxanthin epoxidase (ZEP), thereby inhibiting the accumulation of lycopene and β-citraurin. Studies have shown that the degreening of the ‘Shatangju’ pericarp was accelerated, but the accumulation of carotenoid biosynthesis genes was inhibited, which was not conducive to the synthesis of carotenoids.

Comparison of muscle nutritional composition, texture quality, carotenoid metabolites and transcriptome to underling muscle quality difference between wild-caught and pond-cultured Yellow River carp (Cyprinus carpio haematopterus)

The common carp is one of the most important freshwater aquaculture fish. The quality is an emerging concern for aquatic animals, and wild-caught fish is considered to exhibit better quality compared with cultured fish in some species. In present study, muscle nutritional composition, flesh quality index, scale and fins color, carotenoid metabolites, and RNA-sequencing were compared between wild-caught carp (WCC) and pond-cultured carp (PCC) to elucidate their quality difference. Results showed that WCC showed higher moisture, EPA, DHA, and EAA/TAA compared with PCC (P < 0.05). However, PCC showed higher muscle protein and lipid content, and mono-unsaturated fatty acids (MUFA). Hardness, chewiness, and shear force were significantly higher in WCC compared with PCC. The WCC showed higher a* and b*values in back and caudal fin (P < 0.05). Targeted metabolomics of carotenoids analysis showed that 4 carotenoid metabolites in scale and 6 carotenoid metabolites in fins showed significant difference between WCC and PCC. Furthermore, transcriptome analysis showed that a total of 8624 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in WCC vs. PCC. Gene function enrichment demonstrated that up-regulated DEGs were mainly in response to cell cycle, immunology regulation, and inositol phosphates metabolism, whereas, down-regulation genes were mainly in response in RNA transport, carbohydrate metabolism, protein and lipid metabolism. The study provided a comprehensive view of nutritional and texture difference between WCC and PCC, and which could provide reference for improving nutritional and texture quality in farmed carp.

Integrated transcriptome and metabolome analysis unveils the mechanism of color-transition in Edgeworthia chrysantha tepals

BackgroundEdgeworthia chrysantha, a deciduous shrub endemic to China, is known for its high ornamental value, extensive cultivation history, and wide-ranging applications. However, theoretical research on this plant is severely lacking. While its flowering process displays striking color transitions from green (S1) to yellow (S2) and then to white (S3), the scientific exploration of this phenomenon is limited, and the underlying regulatory mechanisms are yet to be elucidated.ResultsCorrelation analysis between phenotypic measurements and pigment content revealed that carotenoids and chlorophyll are the key pigments responsible for the color changes. Metabolomic analysis of carotenoids demonstrated that lutein and β-carotene were present at higher levels in S1, while S2 exhibited increased diversity and quantity of carotenoids compared to other stages. Notably, antheraxanthin, zeaxanthin, lycopene, and α-cryptoxanthin showed significant increases. In S3, apart from the colorless phytoene, other carotenoid metabolites were significantly reduced to extremely low levels. Transcriptomic data indicated that PSY, Z-ISO, crtZ, ZEP, PDS and ZDS are key genes involved in carotenoid biosynthesis and accumulation, while NCED plays a crucial role in carotenoid degradation. SGR was identified as a key gene contributing to the progressive decline in chlorophyll content. Additionally, three transcription factors potentially regulating carotenoid metabolism were also identified.ConclusionsThis study represents the first systematic investigation, spanning from phenotypic to molecular levels, of the color-changing phenomenon in E. chrysantha. The study elucidates the crucial pigments, metabolites, genes, and transcription factors responsible for flower color changes during the flowering process, thereby providing preliminary understanding of the intrinsic regulatory mechanisms. These findings establish a theoretical foundation for the genetic improvement of flower color in E. chrysantha.

Comprehensive Analysis of Phenolic Compounds, Carotenoids, and Antioxidant Activities in Lactuca sativa var. longifolia Cultivated in a Smart Farm System

Smart farming is a promising strategy for future agriculture, and the global market for smart agriculture is growing rapidly. The aim of this study was to compare the quality of agricultural products based on their cultivation method. The components and antioxidant activities of Lactuca sativa (LS) var. longifolia cultivated using conventional agriculture methods (CAMs) and smart farm agriculture methods (SAMs) were compared. ABTS+ and DPPH radical scavenging activity assays were performed to compare the antioxidant activities of LS grown using CAMs and SAMs. High-performance liquid chromatography with a reverse-phase column was employed to analyze the phenolic and carotenoid compounds. In both the SAM and the CAM, β-carotene was found to be the most abundant compound. LS grown using the CAM had high total polyphenol content and ABTS+ radical scavenging activity, while LS grown using the SAM had high individual phenolic content and DPPH radical scavenging activity. This study developed a new method of SAM and confirmed that SAM produces a higher quantity of phenolic compounds and total flavonoid contents than CAM in LS. This study also highlights the SAM’s functioning, gives crop quality inspection guidelines, and standardizes LS. The new SAM is effective for application in undeveloped urban spaces, is more convenient than the CAM, and represents a way to develop and manage LS quality.

Analysis of Carotenoids and Gene Expression in Apple Germplasm Resources Reveals the Role of MdCRTISO and MdLCYE in the Accumulation of Carotenoids.

Carotenoids play an important role in the coloring and nutritional value of apple (Malus spp.) fruits. Here, six carotenoids, including lutein, zeaxanthin, β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, violaxanthin, and neoxanthin, were detected in 105 fruits of apple germplasm resources, which showed a skewed distribution in both the peel and pulp. There were more carotenoids in the peel than in the pulp, and lutein and β-carotene were the primary carotenoids that were present. The expression levels of most carotenoid pathway genes in germplasm fruits during fruit development were higher in the fruits that had an abundance of carotenoids. A linear relationship analysis showed that the expression levels of MdCRTISO and MdLCYE were highly correlated with the content of carotenoids. The leaves accumulated the greatest number of carotenoids, while the roots had the lowest amount. MdCRTISO and MdLCYE were highly expressed in the fruits compared to other tissues. Transgenic calli and transiently transformed fruits confirmed that MdCRTISO and MdLCYE affected the biosynthesis of carotenoids owing to their effects on the expression of other genes for enzymes in the carotenoid pathway. Our findings will extend the understanding of carotenoid biosynthesis in apple and excavate apple germplasm resources with rich carotenoids to breed high-quality apples.

Assessment of the marine microalga Chrysochromulina rotalis as bioactive feedstock cultured in an easy-to-deploy light-emitting-diode-based tubular photobioreactor

Marine microalgae have potential to be low-cost raw materials. This depends on the exploitation of different biomass fractions for high-value products, including unique compounds. Chrysochromulina rotalis, an under-explored haptophyte with promising properties, was the focus of this study. For the first time, C. rotalis was successfully cultivated in an 80 L tubular photobioreactor, illuminated by an easy-to-use light-emitting-diode-based system. C. rotalis grew without certain trace elements and showed adaptability to different phosphorus sources, allowing a significant reduction in the N:P ratio without compromising biomass yield and productivity. The design features of the photobioreactor provided a protective environment that ensured consistent biomass production from this shear-sensitive microalgae. Carotenoid analysis showed fucoxanthin and its derivatives as major components, with essential fatty acids making up a significant proportion of the total. The study emphasizes the tubular photobioreactor's role in sustainable biomass production for biorefineries, with C. rotalis as a valuable bioactive feedstock.

Antioxidant profile of red oncom, an Indonesian traditional fermented soyfood

Red oncom is an Indonesian local soyfood traditionally made from by-products of tofu industries through a mould fermentation involving Neurospora sp. Red oncom contains isoflavones and carotenoids, bioactive compounds exerting antioxidant activities. This study aimed to investigate the antioxidant activities of red oncom produced through traditional methods compared to unfermented soybeans and tempeh (or tempe), another Indonesian traditional fermented soyfood. Following red oncom extraction using ethanol 95%, several experiments were conducted, including analysis of isoflavones, carotenoids, total phenolics, total flavonoids and free radical scavenging activity. Antioxidant activity appeared to be significantly higher in red oncom than in unfermented soybeans, but lower in comparison to tempeh (p&lt;0.05). A longer fermentation period was associated with increased antioxidant activities in red oncom along with decay-related organoleptic issues appearing at day-4. Interestingly, antioxidant activities were found to be stronger on the mouldy surface of red oncom compared to its inner side, mainly due to the presence of moulds biosynthesizing carotenoids and hydrolyzing isoflavone glucosides into aglycones. Thus, it was suggested that the potential antioxidative properties of red oncom could support its development as a functional food.